Impact of Parthenium-Derived Vermicompost and Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on the Growth and Yield of Arachis hypogaea L. in Zinc-Deficient Soil -

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Impact of Parthenium-Derived Vermicompost and Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on the Growth and Yield of Arachis hypogaea L. in Zinc-Deficient Soil

Introduction:

 The research study investigates the impact of utilizing Parthenium-based vermicompost and zinc oxide nanoparticles on the growth and yield of Arachis hypogaea L. (peanut plants) in zinc-deficient soil. Zinc is a crucial micronutrient essential for various plant functions, including germination, chlorophyll production, and reproductive processes. The experiment aims to elucidate how the application of these innovative agricultural inputs influences the growth profile and productivity of peanut plants in soil lacking sufficient zinc content. By combining organic vermicompost derived from Parthenium hysterophorus with zinc oxide nanoparticles, the study seeks to enhance the overall health and yield of Arachis hypogaea L. in challenging zinc-deficient soil conditions.

Methodology:-

The study involved the synthesis and characterization of zinc oxide nanoparticles using leaf extract and their application to A. hypogaea L. (Co-6) seeds. The experiment, conducted in April 2013 at Karpagam University, Coimbatore, utilized zinc-deficient soil from Karur Dist., Tamil Nadu. Treatments with Parthenium-mediated zinc oxide nanoparticles were applied at 35 DAS and 70 DAS, and two sets of experiments were conducted to analyze seed germination and growth parameters. The growth and yield parameters of A. hypogaea were assessed, including germination percentage, various growth parameters, and biochemical analyses of fresh leaves. Additionally, the number of pods per plant, weight of grains per pod, and groundnut oil content were recorded after harvesting at 120 DAS.

Results:-

The study found that the application of Parthenium-based vermicompost and zinc oxide nanoparticles positively affected the growth and yield of Arachis hypogaea L. in zinc-deficient soil. The highest levels of leaf protein, total free phenols, reducing sugars, and total soluble sugars were found in the treatment with the highest concentration of zinc oxide nanoparticles (300 ppm). Chlorophyll a, b, and total chlorophyll contents were also increased in the seedlings treated with 300 ppm zinc oxide nanoparticles. The number of pods per plant and weight of grains per pod were also increased in the nanoparticle-treated plants. The study suggests that the use of nanoparticles in agriculture may enhance crop production in zinc-deficient soil.

Conclusion:-

In conclusion, the study demonstrated that the application of Parthenium-based vermicompost and zinc oxide nanoparticles can enhance the growth and yield of Arachis hypogaea L. in zinc-deficient soil. The use of nanoparticles in agriculture may provide a sustainable solution to micronutrient deficiencies in crops, leading to increased crop production and yield. The study highlights the potential of using natural resources such as Parthenium and vermicompost in combination with nanotechnology to improve agricultural practices and address food security challenges. Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects of nanoparticle application on soil health and the environment.

Reference:-

RAJIV, P. AND VANATHI, P., 2018. Effect of Parthenium based vermicompost and zinc oxide nanoparticles on growth and yield of Arachis hypogaea L. in zinc deficient soil. Biocatalysis and agricultural biotechnology, 13, pp.251-257.